Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Romulus, MI: $54,881 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Romulus, MI earns a median $54,881/year (≈ $26.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Romulus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $58,885 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Romulus, MI, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $54,881. This figure is lower than the national median of $60,174, highlighting the specific economic landscape of the area. Salaries for mechanics in Romulus range from $39,361 at the 10th percentile to $80,213 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied job market influenced by both experience and specialty. BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments emphasize how the rising demand for heat pump installations, driven in part by IRA tax credits, reshapes hiring trends in the local HVAC sector. As the industry adapts to this growth, job opportunities are likely to expand, particularly for skilled technicians who can meet the evolving demands of consumers.
About the Romulus Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,361 | $18.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,197 | $21.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,881 | $26.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,261 | $32.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,213 | $38.57 |
Median Salary Position
8.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Romulus
In Romulus, MI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,852 (2026 est.). At $54,881, the local median is 8.8% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Romulus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Romulus Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Romulus median: $54,881/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Romulus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $59,331 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -8.80% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Romulus, MI earn a median of $54,881 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.50% below the Michigan state average of $59,331.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Romulus has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Romulus, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $54,881 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,885 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,222
2025 BLS Actual
$52,862
2026 Current Est.
$54,881
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Romulus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,222 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,135 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,647 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,713 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,862 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,881 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Romulus metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,222 (2019) to $52,862 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,756 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Romulus metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,361 – $45,197 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,197 – $54,881 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,881 – $67,261 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,261 – $80,213 |
HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Romulus
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Romulus is relatively modest, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, which means that living expenses are below the national average and can enhance the purchasing power of local salaries. High-paying employers are likely to include commercial HVAC contractors working on industrial facilities and hospitals, as well as refrigeration specialists servicing supermarkets and food service establishments. A noticeable pay gap exists due to variables such as the complexity of work, commission structures at residential service companies, and specialized skills related to heat pumps and high-efficiency cooling systems. For those looking to maximize their pay in Romulus, seeking state contractor licensing and pursuing brand-specific certifications, such as NATE or Carrier qualifications, can provide an edge in this competitive market.
More salary data for Romulus, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $52,862 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Romulus metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Romulus is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov